Hanger



1959 -D. v. NELSON 2,909,355

HANGER Filed April 26, 1955 INVENTOR:- DAVID V. NELSON ATTORNEYS c...hhhalsaauuw. is Mil. hwlltanancn- HANGER David V. Nelson, Evanston, 11].Application April 2 6, 1955, Serial No, 503,909 3 Claims. (Cl. 248-317)-Thejpresent invention relates in generalto building corietruction, andhas moreparticular reference to. sound and vibration proof means forsupporting ceilings and, other surfacing 1ments in manner suppressingsound transmission therethrough, the present invention relating toimprovements in the structure disclosed in US. Letters Patent No.2,124,311, which issued July 19, 1938, on the inventionof David V;Nelson.

The desirability ofsound suppressing support means for mounting ceilingsand like structural elements be comes obvious when it is understood thatceilings, :par; titions, and like structural elements may function aschlarged sounding boards to magnify any vibration transferred theretofrom the basic structure in which mounted. The provision of means forsuppressing the transfer of sound creating vibrations between the basicstructure. and the suspended element is particularly useful in oflicebuildings and other structures where quietness is especially desired andwhere the basic structure of the. build: ing is subjected to. vibration.

An important object is to provide improved sound deadening support meansfor suspending ceilings and panel forming elements in buildingstructures.

Another important object is to provide an improwed;

acqustieal mounting clip for suspending panel-like elemerits in buildingstructures, the clip embodying means forming a resilient bed forreceiving a supported portion of the. suspended element, and comprisingself-adjusting suspension means for rockingly hanging, the clip in freefloating fashion from a basic building structure in which the suspendedelement is mounted. Another important object is to. provide a mountingclip ofsimplified and inexpensive construction in combination formounting the same infree flo.ating, -sel fadjugting fashion, ason a.suspension wire; a further ob; ject being to provide a suspensionstirrup and means for rockingly hanging the mounting clip on thestirrup; a urthe Qbiest e ng to o m the mo g p for pension on thestirrup. in readily detachable fashion; a still, further object being toform. the clip with integral suspension ears adapted for detachableconnection with as lspension stirrup;

Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, aceilingcomprisinga plurality of spaced apart beams may be suspended in abuilding structure by means. of preferably sheet metal clips formingbeam receiving channels lined with a layer ofresilient, sound deadeningmaterial, such as felt, forming a beam receiving bed intheielip, theclip. being formed with, integral ears per-. mitting same, afterapplication in carrying position a to be rockably suspended in readilydetach. able/fashion on a carrying stirrup, said stirrup beingadapitedifor connection in a basic building structure, as on a uspensionire; in p n, t e ach ve t e mounting-cl p,

Theforegoins and numerous, other important objects, advantages andinherent functions of the invention. will be more fully-understood fromthefollowing description,

Patented Oct. 20, 1959 which, taken in connection the accompanyingdrawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.

, Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a ceiling suspended in abasic building structure;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of parts of the structure hown in Fi 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 inFig. 2; i

r Fig. 4 is a perspective View of an element of the structure shown inFigs. 2 and 3; and

Figs. 5, 6, and 7, respectively, are views corresponding with Figs. 2,3, and 4 in order to illustrate a modified arrangement embodying theinvention.

To illustrate the invention, the drawings show a ceiling structure 11suspended from a basic support structure 13, such as the concrete frameof a building in which the ceiling structure is mounted. This frame maybe formed with suspension Wires or cables 15 imbedded therein anddepending therefrom to form means for suspending the ceiling structure.In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling structure comprises aplurality of beams 17, which preferably extend in substantiallyparallel, spaced apart relationship, said beams being suspended on thecables 15 by means of acoustical suspension units 19 embodying thepresent invention.

The units 19 each comprise a channel shaped clip 21,

i which may be formed of any preferred material, but

which may be most conveniently produced as a sheet metal stampingbending the. opposite ends of a rectangular strip. of material to formparallel, spaced apart and upstanding wall portions 23 interconnected bymeans of a joining wall 25 forming the bottom of the channel shaped clipThe unit 19 also comprises a layer 27 of felt or other suitableresilient acoustical material, said layer preferably comprising a stripof material formed to fit within and cover the inner walls of thechannel shaped clip. 21, which may be formed with preferably integralfingers or lugs 29. at the edges of the wall portions 23 in position tobe. folded inwardly upon the acoustical layer, after assembly thereof inthe clip, in order to hold the same in place.

. It will be noted that the units 19 are of exceedingly simple,inexpensive construction and are each adapted to receive a beam 17within the channel shaped clip in position bedded upon the resilientacoustical material of I the layer 27. Of course, any desired number ofmounting spgnding' u pt nsion cable" 15 units 19 may be utilized insupporting a beam which may be hungin a desired location merely byapplying the required number of units 19 in mounted position upon thebeam and by then attaching the same each upon a corre- To facilitate theattachment of the units 19 in freely rockable fashion upon thesuspension cables 15, a mounting stirrup 31 may be attached on each ofthe suspension cables and the spaced side walls 23 of the channel shapedclips 21 may be formed with preferably integral attachment cars 33adapted for preferably rocking connection with a sus-,. pension stirrup31, the attachment ears 33 being disposed at and extending upwardly ofthe edges of the side walls 23, which are remote from the bottom wall 25of the clip.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the attachment cars 33may comprise each a mere extension 35 0f the wall portion 23 on which itis attached, said extension being formed therethrough with a preferablyelongated perforation or slot 37. For use in conjuncsame around thestirrup portion 41, and a pair of divergent arms 43 mutually inclined ata preferably acute angle, the terminal portions of the arms 43 beingbent mutually inwardly, as at 45, to form clip supporting portions 47.The opposite end extremities ofthe wire 39 may be bent, as at 49,preferably upwardly, to provide terminal lugs 51, the length of which ispreferably slightly less than that of the elongated perforations 37.Accordingly, a beam mounted clip 21 of the sort shown in Figs. 2, 3, and4, may be readily attached upon a corresponding suspension stirrupmerely by applying the attachment ears 33 in position to receive theterminal lugs 51 of the stirrup through the openings 37 of the clip,whereby to rockingly suspended the clip by its said ears 33 upon theclip supporting portions 47 of the stirrup.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, the attachment cars 33may comprise each a mounting book 35' having a nose 37, the hook beingpreferably integrally connected upon a wall portion 23 of' the clip 21at the base of the hook. For use in conjunction with clips formed withhooks 35, the cooperating suspension stirrup 31 may comprise anysuitable or preferred means forming a stirrup loop 39'. Such means, asshown in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, mayconveniently comprise a sheet metal stamping formed with a portion 41 toprovide an anchoring portion, about which a suspension cable may beconnectingly secured, as by merely twisting the same around the stirrupportion 41. The stirrup may also embody a pair of divergent arms 43terminating in spaced apart side members 45, said side members beingintegrally interconnected, as by means of a clip supporting bar portion47'. Accordingly, a beam mounted clip of the sort shown in Figs. 5, 6,and 7, may be readily attached upon a corresponding suspension stirrupmerely by applying the noses 37 of the hooks 35 over the clip suspensionbar portion 47' of a stirrup. The clips 21, in that connection, may beformed with hooks 35, which both face toward the same end of the clip21. If desired, however, the hooks on a clip may be formed in positionfacing opposite directions to thereby more surely secure the clip uponits cooperating suspension stirrup.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the suspension structures of thepresent invention provide for freely rocking connection of the stirrupmeans 31 on the suspension cables 15, as well as the readily attachableand detachable connection of the beam suspension units 19 each on itscooperating support stirrup, a stirrup being rockable on its suspensioncable about an axis which extends in a direction substantially normalwith respect to the axis about which the clip is rockingly mounted onthe stirrup. The foregoing arrangement, accordingly, provides for thefree floating and self-adjusting suspension of the beam carrying clipsin fashion entirely eliminating any tendency of the clips to bind .uponthe suspended beams in fashion impairing the eflicacy of the desiredacoustical sound deadening or noise suppressing construction.

Of course, any other suitable or preferred kind of suspension elementmay be used in place of the cables 15, but a cable comprising flexiblewire will not transfer as much vibration from the basic structure 13 tothe ceiling structure 11 as will a more rigid suspension element.Consequently, flexible support elements are preferable over more rigidones. Any vibration transferred through the suspension elements 15 tothe clips 21 will be minimized by the free floating characteristicsafforded by the rocking connections between the suspension elements 15and the stirrups 31, and between the stirrups 31 and the clips 21. Anyvibration that may be applied to the clips 21 will be largely, if notentirely, absorbed in the resilient layer of acoustical material 27 andwill not be transferred to the ceiling 11 through the beams17,

The beams 17, accordingly, form a substantially vibrationless support onwhich the ceiling itself may be constructed. The ceiling itself may, ofcourse, be of any preferred structural form and may comprise a pluralityof spaced apart cross beams 53 anchored or otherwise suspended upon thebeams 17 in any suitable or preferred fashion, as by means of tieelements 55, which, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, may comprisepieces of wire wrapped around the beams 17 and 53. The spaced apartbeams 53, of course, provide an anchorage for the ceiling panel 57,which may be of any preferred material or structural character. Asshown, the ceiling 57 may comprise a plaster receiving layer 59, such asexpanded metal or other foraminous material, secured to the beams 53 inany convenient or preferred fashion, as by utilizing the ends of the tiewires 55 to fasten the plaster carrying layer 59 in place. Alternately,if the beams 53 are of wood or other nail receiving material, the layer37 may be mounted, as by means of nail-like fasteners, or the layer maycomprise wooden slats nailed in place upon the beams. The ceiling may befinished, as by applying a finishing layer 61 upon the base layer 59;and this finishing layer may be of plaster or any other suitablesurfacing material, depending, of course, upon'the nature of theunderlying support layer; and it is entirely within the conception ofthe present invention to form the ceiling of boards nailed or otherwiseattached directly upon the beams 53.

Surfacing structures embodying panels, such as ceilings, when mounted inthe manner described, are substantially soundproof. Any vibrationoriginating or initiated in the basic support structure 15 is excludedfrom reaching the ceiling structure 11, all vibration transmitted fromthe basic support structure being prevented from reaching the ceilingstructure through the suspension stirrups 31 and the acoustical unit 19,especially at the resilient layer 27. The structure, however, hasadequate strength to support the weight of the ceiling, and, if desired,a layer of sand may be spread upon the upper side of the ceiling 57 toincrease its sound excluding properties. It is thought, also, that theconvenience of assembly or installation afforded by the readyattachability and detachability of the clips 21 on the stirrups 31 willbe clearly apparent.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantageswill be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it isobvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction, andarrangement of the several parts, without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages,the forms herein diselosedbeing preferred embodiments for the purpose ofillustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A hanger for mounting a beam in a building structure comprising asingle piece of sheet metal formed to provide an elongated channelmember having a bottom wall and integral spaced side walls forming amounting clip, a vibration absorbing lining of resilient materialdisposed in said channel member for bedding a beam to be supported inthe clip, each of said side walls, at the edge thereof remote from saidbottom wall, being formed with an integral lug, adjacent each endthereof, and with an integral upstanding support ear disposed mediallybetween said lugs, each of said lugs being bent inwardly upon itscarrying wall to clampingly secure said lining thereto, and a stirrupelement detachably, connected with said ears, said stirrup being formedwith spaced bearing portions, and said ears being formed with openingsreceiving and rockably engaging said bearing portions to support themounting clip for rocking movement on the stirrup element about an axisextending transversely of sail channel member and medially between itsopposite en s.

2. A hanger for mounting a beam in a building structure comprising asingle piece of sheet metal formed to provide an elongated channelmember having a bottom wall and integral spaced sidewalls forming amounting clip, a vibration absorbing lining of resilient materialdisposed in said channel member for bedding a beam to be supported inthe clip, each of said side Walls, at the edge thereof remote from saidbottom Wall, being formed with an integral lug, adjacent each endthereof, and with an integral upstanding support ear disposed mediallybetween said lugs, each of said lugs being bent inwardly upon itscarrying wall to clampingly secure said lining thereto, said ears beingformed each with a slot elongated in a direction normal to the bottomwall of said channel member, and a stirrup detachably connected withsaid ears and comprising a rod medially bent to provide outwardlyinclined arms terminating in mutually inwardly bent ears forming spacedapart bearing portions extending in said slots, whereby to rockablymount the ears of the clip on said stirrup in detachable fashion.

3. A hanger for mounting a beam in a building structure comprising asingle piece of sheet metal formed to provide an elongated channelmember having a bottom Wall and integral spaced side walls forming amounting clip, a vibration absorbing lining of resilient materialdisposed in said channel member for bedding a beam to be supported inthe clip, each of said side walls, at the edge thereof remote from saidbottom wall, being formed with an integral lug, adjacent each endthereof, and with an integral upstanding support ear disposed mediallybetween said lugs, each of said lugs being bent inwardly upon itscarrying wall to clampingly secure said lining thereto, said earsforming hooks, one on each side of the clip, and a stirrup elementforming a closed loop having mutually inclined arms defining a hangingportion and a suspension bar supported between the outer ends of themutually inclined arms, said hooks, respec tively, facing opposite endsof the channel member whereby the suspension bar of the stirrup may beapplied in clip supporting position by inserting the same between saidhooks and then turning the stirrup about an axis normal to the bottomwall of the channel member to connect spaced bearing portions of saidbar each with a corresponding one of said hooks.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS704,788 Du Perow July 15, 1902 1,450,640 Norman Apr. 3, 1923 1,545,740Corvell July 14, 1925 1,546,839 Klingel July 21, 1925 1,833,704 BinsNov. 24, 1931 2,124,311 Nelson July 19, 1938 2,416,063 Nicholls Feb. 18,1947 2,466,247 Land Apr. 5, 1949 2,585,398 McIlwraith Feb. 12, 19522,671,625 Buckley Mar. 9, 1954- FOREIGN PATENTS 472,523 Canada Mar. 27,1951 972,372 France Aug. 30, 1950

